If you have been on the lookout for a show-stopping centerpiece with a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Dr Pepper Glazed Ham Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy spiral-sliced ham bathed in a luscious glaze made from brown sugar, honey, crushed pineapple, and the unmistakable kick of Dr Pepper soda. It’s a festival of flavors that bake into each slice, creating a caramelized outer crust while keeping the inside irresistibly moist. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, family gathering, or just a special Sunday dinner, this recipe has all the elements that make comfort food unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple but work in harmony to create a glaze that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a gorgeous glossy finish on your ham. Each one is essential in building the rich, sweet, and slightly tangy profile that sets this dish apart.
- 4-6 pound boneless spiral sliced ham: The perfect cut for even cooking and easy serving.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds bright tropical sweetness and natural moisture.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings warmth and depth through caramelized molasses notes.
- ½ cup honey: Intensifies the sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze texture.
- 1 cup Dr Pepper: The secret ingredient that adds a unique spice and cola flavor twist.
How to Make Dr Pepper Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start by combining the crushed pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and Dr Pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This blend might look simple, but it’s magical when it starts to bubble and meld together.
Step 2: Thicken the Glaze
Bring your mixture to a gentle bubble, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Let the glaze reduce until it thickens and becomes shiny and glazy, about 10 to 15 minutes. This step concentrates all those flavors and sets the stage for the perfect coating.
Step 3: Coat and Cook the Ham
Place your spiral sliced ham in the slow cooker and generously brush it with half of your luscious glaze. This initial coating helps the ham soak up those sweet, fruity notes while cooking low and slow for four hours.
Step 4: Broil for Caramelization
After the slow cooker has done its magic, carefully transfer the ham to a foil-lined baking sheet. Pour the remaining glaze over the top, then pop it under the broiler for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep a close eye; you want that sugar to caramelize to golden perfection without burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your ham is beautifully caramelized, it’s ready to slice and serve. The combination of tender meat and sticky-sweet glaze will have everyone coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe!
How to Serve Dr Pepper Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the ham adds a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the sweet glaze perfectly. You can also add a few pineapple chunks on the side for a pop of tropical flair and extra juiciness.
Side Dishes
Ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a bright citrusy salad to cut through the richness. Sweet potato casserole or glazed carrots also complement the glaze’s flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive table, serve the ham on a large wooden board layered with slices of orange or lemon. This not only looks stunning but infuses subtle citrus aroma. Alternatively, carve the ham at the table to add a warm, interactive touch to your meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ham should be wrapped tightly in foil or placed in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will keep well for 3 to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy this Dr Pepper Glazed Ham Recipe without rushing.
Freezing
If you want to store ham for longer, slice it, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, this ham can last up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a covered dish with a splash of water or leftover glaze to keep the meat moist. Warm gently in the oven at 275°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent drying out the ham’s tender goodness.
FAQs
Can I use regular cola instead of Dr Pepper?
You definitely can! Regular cola will still add sweetness and caramel notes but lacks the blend of spices unique to Dr Pepper. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Do I need to use a slow cooker?
The slow cooker helps keep the ham moist and allows the glaze to soak in slowly. If you don’t have one, baking the ham covered with foil and basting often will also work, though it might take a bit longer.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Dr Pepper Glazed Ham Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure the Dr Pepper you buy does not contain gluten additives, which is rare but worth double-checking.
What’s the best way to serve leftover ham?
Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches, diced into omelets or fried rice, or even tossed into a hearty soup. The sweet glaze flavor carries beautifully into these dishes.
How thick should the glaze be before applying?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling to the ham without running off immediately. It’s all about that sticky, glossy texture to form the perfect caramelized crust.
Final Thoughts
If you want to elevate your holiday or family meals with a ham that’s bursting with unique flavor and irresistibly tender texture, give this Dr Pepper Glazed Ham Recipe a try. It’s a delightful combination of easy prep, heartfelt flavor, and showy presentation that’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll want it on your table for every special occasion!
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Dr Pepper Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dr Pepper Ham recipe combines the savory flavors of a spiral sliced ham with a sweet and tangy glaze made from crushed pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and the unique taste of Dr Pepper soda. Slow cooked to infuse flavors and finished under the broiler to caramelize the glaze, it is perfect for hearty family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Ham
- 4–6 pound boneless spiral sliced ham
Glaze
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cup Dr Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed pineapple with juice, brown sugar, honey, and Dr Pepper. Stir to mix thoroughly.
- Simmer the glaze: Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy, about 10-15 minutes.
- Coat the ham: Place the boneless spiral sliced ham into the slow cooker. Pour half of the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it is well coated on all sides.
- Slow cook the ham: Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook the ham for 4 hours to let the flavors meld and meat tenderize.
- Prepare for broiling: Carefully remove the cooked ham from the slow cooker and place it on a foil-lined sheet pan for easy cleanup.
- Add remaining glaze: Pour the rest of the glaze evenly over the ham, coating it once more before the final cooking step.
- Broil to caramelize: Place the sheet pan with ham under the oven broiler. Broil for 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the sugar in the glaze caramelizes and forms a beautiful shiny crust.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Slice the ham as desired and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure to watch the ham closely while broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
- Use a foil-lined sheet pan to make cleanup easier after broiling.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar or honey if a sweeter or less sweet glaze is preferred.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the ham covered at 325°F for about 2 to 2.5 hours, glazing occasionally.
- Leftover ham pairs well with sandwiches or salads.
